Kids across DeSoto County pore over clean-water message

Stan Carroll
The Commercial Appeal
"Celebrity readers" visit Overpark Elementary to remind students about the importance of clean water. Among them was Mike Williamson, an engineer with Neel-Schaffer consulting firm, who was presented a birthday hat to mark his 49th year. "I'll wear it with pride," he said. "It's an honor."

County road manager Andy Swims reads to students about stormwater awareness.

Just before hearing a tale about becoming a "Planet Protector" from DeSoto County's road manager, 5-year-old kindergartner Sean Parker at Overpark Elementary in Olive Branch pondered the issue of water.

"I know when you get in the water, and lightning gets in the water, you get electricity," said Sean, a member of Tonya Smith's class being led this day by teaching assistant Heidi Sloan.

But Sean got the environmental message from the book that Andy Swims read, "Watch Over Our Water."

It's about a girl named Trina who learns that precious water suitable for drinking, cooking and cleaning is "more important than root beer" — and worth conserving and protecting along its course to the sea.

"I guess I'd better think about water if I'm going to save the Earth," Trina says.

Sean concluded: "I like clean water."

That was the core concept as Swims joined about 40 other county, city and community "celebrity readers" during Stormwater Awareness Week sponsored by the county Environmental Services Department with help from Neel-Schaffer consultants.

They're streaming into seven schools across the DeSoto County to impart a cautionary message in a fun way to youngsters, with the hope the lesson hits home.

Copies of the book by Lisa Ballard are being left at the schools, along with such stickers as "Junk from the gutter makes me sputter," featuring a crustacean crabby about pollution.

Swims asked kids what untreated water tasted like. How about the ocean?

"It tastes like salt," said kindergartner Christopher McAuley, 6.

The road manager told the 25 rapt youths that they're half-made of water, but "does that mean there are fish swimming inside us?"

"No!" the kids replied.

There was agreement with turning off water while brushing teeth — and wide eyes at Swims' suggestion that it's nice "to pick up after your dog uses the bathroom" in the yard.

"These are gentle reminders the little ones can take home," said Overpark principal Lisa Love.

Meanwhile, Ray Laughter, Environmental Services chief, hopes adults also remember that Saturday is the annual fall county Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup Day, with pickup of items at the Landers Center in Southaven from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. New this year is a "swap" of a new, eco-friendly gasoline container for any old, off-road ASTM can.

Sloan says her kindergartners are already learning by doing in the classroom.